FLORENCE - Charles G. Elnicki, 93, died peacefully on Friday, January 18, 2013, at Mountain View Center in Rutland, after a long illness.

He was born April 1, 1919, in Brackenridge, Pa., the son of Michael and Mary (Paszuhance) Elnicki.

Charlie was a WWII U.S. Army veteran serving in Africa, Casablanca, Tunisia, Salano, Naples and Anzio. He earned European, African and Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbons with five Battle Stars, and received a Purple Heart for injuries he received.

After an honorable discharge, he was employed for 25 years as a field inspector for H.P. Hood.

Charlie loved gardening, ice fishing, woodworking and camping, and one of his most memorable camping trips was from coast to coast with his wife, Aline, in their slide-on camper, but above all, he loved spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Aline of Florence; a son, Michael C. Elnicki and his wife Colleen of Pittsford; a daughter, Donna Whitman and her husband Gary of Ripton; a granddaughter, Jill Merrill and her husband Michael of Pittsford, and a grandson, Richard Elnicki and his wife Nicole of Rutland; two sisters, Pauline McMahon of Rutland and Mildred Higgins of N.H.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Anna, and three brothers, Mike, Jim and Frank.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pittsford Congregational Church, immediately followed by a reception downstairs in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be held at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery in Pittsford.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. at the Barnard Funeral Home in Pittsford.

The family suggests, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763; or Pittsford First Response Squad, PO Box 433, Pittsford, VT 05763.